WVU Statler College to launch new online master’s program in cybersecurity

WVU launches a new master’s cybersecurity online program to equip students with advanced technical expertise, ethical awareness and leadership skills needed to protect digital systems and critical infrastructure. (WVU photo/Megan Rinker)

Addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity experts to protect our industries, government and research sectors, the  Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University has created a solution — the new cybersecurity online graduate program.  

Story by Paige Nesbit, director of marketing and communications
Photos by Megan Rinker, graphic arts designer

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

According to a new World Economic Forum report, organizations are addressing the cybersecurity skills gap by upskilling 76% of their current employees and recruiting 54% of experienced cyber professionals.  

To prepare students and professionals for such a critical and competitive market, the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering developed the master’s cybersecurity program to equip students with advanced technical expertise, ethical awareness and leadership skills needed to protect digital systems and critical infrastructure. 

The program emphasizes secure system design, risk assessment and defense strategies while fostering innovation and lifelong learning to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.  

“Preparing students with the depth of knowledge and applied expertise needed to excel in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape is the goal of the Statler College cybersecurity graduate program,” stated Anurag Srivastava, chair of the Lane Department. “Our faculty have created a flexible and exciting pathway for professionals and recent graduates to advance their careers, meet the growing cybersecurity needs of industry and government and strengthen the digital resilience and economic vitality of our nation and beyond.” 

Coordinated by several of the college's cybersecurity faculty experts, — Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova, Tom Devine, Brian Woerner, and industry adjuncts, the program draws on over 100 years of combined instruction, mentoring, and real-world experience to the curriculum. 

With five core courses and five electives that can be customized to individual career goals, students gain hands-on experience in identifying vulnerabilities, defending against cyber threats, and designing resilient, secure systems.  

Elective options allow students to explore specialized areas such as biometric security, cybersecurity for smart power grids, cloud and mobile systems security, and machine learning for cyber defense. 

The program boasts real-world learning through:  

• Hands-on technical focus: Enabling students to design, implement, test, and critically evaluate secure systems and defense mechanisms across diverse real-world domains. 

• Flexible completion timeline: Fully online structure supports part-time or full-time study, allowing students to complete the program in 1–3 years. 

• Online learning to fit any schedule: Tailored for full-time professionals, career changers, recent graduates, and aspiring researchers seeking to advance in one of the fastest growing and most impactful technology fields. 
  

“As an exciting new addition to the Statler College's online programs, the MS in cybersecurity addresses growing industry priorities and global challenges,” said Ashish Nimbarte, director of Statler College online programs and the chair of the industrial and management systems department. “By offering unique opportunities for individuals seeking career growth, professional development, or a career transition, we position WVU as a leading online option for those committed to making a meaningful impact in securing and protecting the world’s digital future.” 

The cybersecurity online program applications will be accepted late Fall 2025, and the program will commence in Fall 2026. Learn more at WVU Online. 

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